Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport is located 32km (20 miles) north of Colombo city centre.

Airport code

CMB

Airport news

A new VVIP facility opened in October 2013. A new terminal building is scheduled for completion in 2015. Plans also exist to build another taxiway to cater for the A380 aircraft, as well as to construct a multi-storey car park and a 50-room hotel.

Driving directions

A new expressway linking Colombo and Katunayake opened in October 2013 providing a much quicker route than the A003 (Negombo Road). Using this route, head north from central Colombo via New Kelani Bridge; the journey takes around 20 minutes.

Car rental

Several car hire companies operate at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. Some cars come with a driver.

Public transport and taxis

Bus: An airport shuttle transports passengers to the main bus terminal 500m (1,640ft) away, from which intercity buses operate. Bus 187 leaves for central Colombo every 30 minutes at a cost of Rp50 per person, plus luggage charge. However, the airport recommends that travellers arrange a taxi or private transport.Shuttle: Most hotels and tour operators offer transport from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport; but it is advised to confirm in advance.Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminal at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. The airport taxi service (tel: (11) 225 2861, ext 3097) operates a counter in the arrival hall's inner lobby and has a fleet of over 600 vehicles. Prices to Colombo start at around Rp2,800. Air-conditioned vehicles are more expensive.

Car parking

There are two parking areas at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. The terminal cark park can accommodate 400 vehicles on short-term rates; while the remote car park, about 300m (984ft) from the terminal is for long-term parking.

Information and help desks

The information desk is located on the first floor of the terminal building. In addition to offering information relating to travel or the airport's facilities, it also has fax and photocopying equipment for use by travellers.

Airport Facilities

Money: A number of banks operate at the arrival lobby and in the transit area, providing currency exchange facilities. ATMs are available in Arrivals and Departures.Communications: There is a post office in Arrivals. Telephone booths can be found in the arrival, departure and transit areas. A communications counter is located in the transit lounge with international direct dialling, email and fax facilities.Food: Restaurants (run by Sri Lankan Airlines) serving local and international cuisine are located in Departures and the transit lounge. A selection of snack bars is also available.Shopping: Several duty-free shops can be found in the arrival and departure halls. These sell a variety of products, including electrical, household and electronic items, wines and spirits, handicrafts, silk items, jewellery, perfumes and teas.Luggage: Travellers visiting Sri Lanka for up to 45 days can take advantage of the airport's bond baggage facility. The baggage will be checked by customs and airport security and will then be sealed and transferred to the departure terminal, where it will be stored until your next flight. Enquiries about lost luggage should be directed to either the information desk or to the airline office. Porters are available landside.Other facilities: A first-aid centre staffed with qualified nurses is located in the immigration area of Arrivals. Fully air-conditioned day rooms with attached toilets are situated in the arrival and departure halls for transit passengers who wish to rest. Shower rooms are also available in the transit lounge.

Conference and business facilities

A business centre can be found in the transit hall on the ground floor of the terminal. International direct dialling, fax and photocopiers are available. In addition, there are four business and first-class lounges at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. Meeting facilities are available at the nearby Gateway Airport Garden hotel (tel: (11) 544 0000; www.thegatewayhotels.com).

Disabled facilities

Special assistance for wheelchair users and passengers travelling for medical reasons is available. Call for further information (tel: 197 332 382).

Airport hotels

There are no hotels at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, with accommodation providers mainly centred in Colombo city itself. Many hotels offer shuttle transport to and from the terminal. Our Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport guide includes the following hotels:

Ramada KatunayakeThe Ramada is situated near a lagoon, around 10 minutes’ drive from the airport. The hotel offers business facilities (including meeting rooms and a conference hall), as well as a fitness centre, restaurant and shuttle bus services.Seeduwa, 842 Negombo RoadKatunayake 11410, Sri LankaTel: (11) 225 3646.Web: www.ramada.com

The Gateway Airport GardenSet within a large coconut plantation 3.5km (2 miles) from the airport, the 113-room Gateway Airport Garden hotel boasts a fitness centre and pool, several meeting rooms, a beauty parlour and a hairdresser. The hotel’s own restaurant serves local, Indian and international food.234-238 Colombo-Negombo RoadSeeduwa, Sri LankaTel: (11) 544 0000.Web: www.thegatewayhotels.com